2024 San Francisco 49ers free agents: Targets, draft needs and more as free agency nears

Despite the San Francisco 49ers' best efforts, they suffered a devastating 25-22 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Now, with the offseason officially upon the 49ers, San Francisco has 21 players becoming free agents beginning on March 13.

Chase Young, who had an outstanding season with the 49ers and performed well in the Super Bowl, is among the free agents. His market value on Spotrac is estimated at $13 million dollars.

Quarterback Sam Darnold is on the unrestricted free agent list, and it remains to be seen if he will stay with the 49ers as Brock Purdy's backup quarterback with a high price tag or if he will leave to pursue a starting position elsewhere.

According to Over the Cap, the 49ers are currently ranked 23rd in the NFL in terms of cap space. This indicates that significant roster changes are expected before the 2024 NFL Draft.

Here is a breakdown of players in the market to negotiate their future once the new league year begins in less than a month.

NFL: 49ers praise Brock Purdy, bemoan 'self-inflicted wounds' in Super Bowl 58 loss

2024 San Francisco 49ers free agents

In order of percentage of snaps played, per Over the Cap:

Potential San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft targets

Bleacher Report: Penn States Chop Robinson or Washington's Bralen

Kristopher Knox writes: "A pass-rusher like Penn State's Chop Robinson or Washington's Bralen Trice could be on the table if San Francisco doesn't retain Young. Realistically, though, the draft is where Lynch will start rebuilding his offensive line."

CBS Sports: Duke's Graham Barton

Garrett Podell writes: "If the 49ers want an upgrade at center or guard, Duke's Graham Barton (6-5, 314 pounds) could be the play at 31 overall if he is still on the board. He played tackle for the Blue Devils, but he has the flexibility to play guard or center as well."

Pro Football Network: Round 1, Pick 31: Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State

A.J. Schulte writes: " It is high time the Colton McKivitz experiment at right tackle ended for the 49ers. Taliese Fuaga is arguably the best run blocker in this class and would fit right in with Kyle Shanahan’s zone-heavy offense."

NFL.com: Georgia's safety Javon Bullard

Chad Reuter writes: "San Francisco could see a lot of former 49er Jimmie Ward in Bullard because of his athleticism, versatility and aggressiveness on the outside. "

When does NFL free agency begin?

March 11: The NFL's legal tampering period begins at March 11 at noon ET. Teams are then allowed to start negotiating contracts with free agents.

March 13: NFL free agency starts on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET. Teams and players can sign new contracts, even during the tampering period.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

Where: Campus Marius Park at Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan

When: April 25-27, 2024

Cable TV: ESPN, ABC, NFL Network

Streaming: NFL+; ESPN+; fuboTV

How to watch: Catch this year's NFL Draft with a Fubo subscription

How to watch: Catch the NLF Draft and more football coverage with a Fubo subscription

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 49ers free agents 2024: Targets, draft needs for San Francisco free agency